Warren County woman sues over crash with sheriff’s deputy

A St. Charles woman is suing the Warren County sheriff’s deputy she collided with after he ran a stop sign while chasing a suspect in April.

A week after the lawsuit was filed, the deputy was cited for failing to obey a stop sign, but he has pleaded not guilty and asked for a trial before a jury.

Gloria Solomon, in a petition filed in district court June 30, says she suffered multiple fractures and broken bones on April 17 when deputy James VanGundy ran a stop sign at the intersection of Iowa Highway 92 and County Road R63, just west of Indianola.

The $210 traffic ticket accusing VanGundy was filed July 7, according to court records. A trial is scheduled for Sept. 21.

While the ticket against VanGundy cites only a stop sign violation, the lawsuit claims VanGundy also failed to have the vehicle under control and keep a proper lookout. The lawsuit also mentions reckless driving.

Solomon, 66, wants the county to cover her medical expenses and costs for damage to her car and is seeking other damages as well.

A hearing date hasn’t been set for Solomon’s petition yet.

Back in April, Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Scott Bright told reporters that VanGundy was in pursuit of another vehicle and was going north on R63 at about 10:15 p.m. April 17.

The vehicle VanGundy was chasing made it through the intersection, but Solomon, who was traveling on Iowa 92, struck VanGundy.

VanGundy had the patrol car’s lights and sirens on, according to Bright.

Bright said VanGundy slowed down at the intersection and “I assume he thought she was going to stop,” Bright said. “He proceeded through that intersection slowly and was hit.”

An accident report provided by the Iowa State Patrol also suggests VanGundy slowed down before he got to the intersection.

Following the crash, VanGundy was airlifted by to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He was released the same night with injuries not considered life-threatening.